Since 2016, City staff from the Parks and Open Space Division has worked to successfully reduce invasive phragmites reed grass along the shore at Kelso Beach Park in areas that could be reached from land or shallow waters.

The work has had a positive impact on the environment and on the usability of the space. In 2019, the program includes participation by the Invasive Phragmites Control Centre (IPCC). Staff from the IPCC will be at Kelso Beach on August 6th and August 7th with amphibious equipment, working alongside City staff to reduce or eliminate phragmites in stands that have been previously inaccessible.

The mechanical control measures will cut phragmites below the water line, eliminating the plant’s ability to photosynthesize.  Once cut City staff will remove it from site.

2016                                     2019

Staff from the IPCC anticipate an 80% to 100% reduction in density within the trial area.  Pending the success of the 2019 trial, the program will be reviewed for implementation at other phragmites sites on or adjacent to City lands including the banks of the Pottawatomi River in future seasons.

The 2019 trial area is the north shore of the Pottawatomi River from the Eddie Sargent Parkway Bridge to the Mouth of the Pottawatomi River at Kelso Beach Park.

source: media release